Solar Panels in California

In California, Solar Panels are becoming more and more popular as the state's Solar Initiative Program expands. Solar panels have been around for a while, but now in California they are becoming much cheaper and easier to install! The Solar Initiative Program has helped to pave the way for solar panel installation by offering incentives and making it possible to get rebates on your system. The following info will assist you in understanding why solar panels are so popular in California today!

Besides being more affordable, residential solar panels have become much more efficient over the years. Modern panels are made of solar electrical cells. The cell materials that can conduct electricity and contain an electrical imbalance. Around 95% of solar cells are made of natural silicone, which is the primary component of beach sand. Although silicon is the most widely used material there are other alternatives like organic photovoltaics, quantum dot photovoltaics, and perovskite solar cells. These materials allow the panels to convert sunlight into electricity which you can use in your RV, home, or business. 

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels are made up of many photovoltaic (PV) cells that cover the top surface. Multiple panels can be attached together to form a solar array. The more panels there are, the more energy can be generated.

When sunlight strikes the solar PV cells, some energy from the light knocks electrons away from the atoms. The electrons move around freely inside the cell and can be used to make electricity. If there are conductors attached to the back of the positive side and negative side, it will create an electrical circuit. When electrons run through a circuit, they create electricity.

This electric field forces the electrons to move in one direction - towards some metal plates. That is called an energy current. The strength of the current controls how much electricity each cell can produce. Once the loose electrons hit metal plates, they turn into electricity. Then the current is directed into wires, and the electrons flow like they would in any other electric source.

What Do Solar Panels Do?

Solar panels allow you to create your own energy reserves rather than relying solely on your utility company for electrical services. In fact, with solar panels it’s possible to generate enough power to become totally independent from utility providers and be 100% off the grid if you desire. Additionally, if you accumulate more power than you can use you can save it for later or sell it back to your energy provider for a profit. 

Solar panels not only provide you with electricity, but the power you make is considered green and renewable. Meaning you will be helping to preserve our environment rather than continue to contribute to fossil fuel emissions which is a result of traditional energy sources. In short, solar panels can allow you to save money while simultaneously improving our environment!

As you may have heard it’s possible to install solar panels on your own. This statement is more directed towards handy individuals with electrical experience and know how. Even then, installation can be a large undertaking. To make sure the system is installed properly and no warranties are voided it is advised to go with a professional. However you decide to go about installation the process will involve these steps.

Access the Roof

First, the installer will have to put up some ladders or preferably some scaffolding. This is the best way to make sure it is safe while installing panels on top of the roof.

Install Solar Panel Mounts

Then, panel mounts will need to be attached. The base of the solar panels needs to be supported by a mounting structure, and it should be tilted. The angle should be between 18 and 36 degrees so that it will get maximum sunlight.

Install the Solar Panels

The solar panels then need to be secured to the mounting structure. All the bolts and nuts need to be tightened up so that the solar panel will remain stable overtime and through harsh weather.

Wire the Solar Panels

In the next step, the installer will have to wire the system to connect to the house's electricity panel. They will need to use special connectors so that they are compatible with all types of solar panels. The installer needs to make sure the electricity is off in the house before doing this.

Install Solar Inverter

After that, the solar inverter must be connected to the system. It is usually placed near the main panel. It can be either indoors and outdoors, but it should be in a cooler place.

If the inverter is outside, it should be in a place where it will not get too much sun. If you install the inverter inside, make sure to put it in a garage or utility room that stays cool most of the year and has good ventilation.

Bond Solar Inverter and Solar Batteries

After that, the solar inverter needs to be connected to the solar battery. The solar battery can save you from not having energy when it is cloudy or dark outside. It also makes installing a solar battery storage system cost less.

Connect the Inverter to the Consumer Unit

The inverter should be connected to the power generator. The solar panels need to be connected to the inverter. When you connect them, they will produce electricity, and a meter will monitor how much electricity is made every day. You can use your computer or other devices to check how your solar system is doing. You can see how much electricity you have generated at different times and decide what time is best for using your washing machine, for example.

Start and Test Solar Panels

The next step is to turn on the power and test out the new solar panel system. If it works, then the install was successful and you can begin to enjoy your solar power.

Depending on what wattage of solar panels you install will determine how many you need. On average a family’s house will consume 11,000 kWh of electricity a year. If we were going to install 200-watt panels they would produce 292 kWh of power per year (taking into account the energy loss of around 23%). Here’s how to equate this:

# of panels = yearly home energy use/solar system produced-10% loss

So, one 200-watt panel generates: 292kWh*23% = 292-67 =225kWh

Therefore, a house that uses 11,000 kWh will need 48 200-watt panels to cover energy costs

The total amount of money you save by investing in solar energy varies, depending on factors offered where you live, the incentives available from your state government, and the kinds of systems you install.

To compute the solar panel ROI you need to get a customized quote. It is best to apply for one and find out how much it will cost. Regardless of individual circumstances, however, the savings are significant. In Oregon, you will save $38,000 over your lifetime by installing a solar panel. In California, you will save $70,000. This is a big difference but still means that you can save money on energy bills.

California California's RPS Plan

California has been ahead in clean energy investments. That is because of their Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS).

The California state legislature passed Senate Bill 350. This law requires all the utilities in our state to use clean, renewable energy like wind power, solar power, geothermal, and biopower by 2030. Installing solar panels will help achieve this goal.

California Solar Panel Tax Exemption

In California, people are able to get a tax exemption for solar power systems. That means they will not have to pay taxes on their system. This exclusion period was set to last until the end of 2016. Now it will last until 2025.

Senate Bill 871 (SB871) was approved during the signing of the budget. The wording of SB871 extends the period during which property taxes will not be applied to "active solar energy systems." This includes PV and solar water heaters. 

California Residence Net Metering

Homeowners and businesses can utilize California's net metering to get money for the extra electricity their solar panels make. As long as the system is less than 1,000 kilowatts (1 megawatt), you will be able to get money for your electricity. Solar panels usually save people money on their electric bills. They do this by using the power that the sun makes. Net metering is a way for customers to get credit on their bills from the electric company for any energy they produce.

Solar Panel Loan

There are many financial institutions in the U.S. that offer loans for solar systems. These loans can help with the costs of getting a solar system allowing you to pay for it with little investment. 

Consider the different interest rates offered for a solar loan. Once you own the system you can also receive rebates and tax credits. And paying back the loan should be easier since you will have lower energy bills.

A solar lease agreement is another good way to get solar panels. You might not have enough money for the equipment, but you can borrow it. And then you rent your roof to the company that installs the equipment. Here's how it works:

• You can enter into an agreement with a company that installs and maintains your solar system. Often you don't have to pay anything upfront. You then make monthly payments for leasing the system from that company. Payments are usually about the same as the amount of electricity you used before, so it won't change much for you.
• Your monthly lease payments might go up when you are renting. This is because the price of energy might go up in the future. Some companies will not let your payments go up too much, though. They usually do not want them to be more than 3% higher than before. Your energy rates may go up even if other people's rates do not. But you may be able to save money on your own energy bills. Ask the solar provider to explain anything that you don't understand.
• A local solar company will install your solar panels and take care of them. They may even offer you warranties, insurance, and free repairs. Look at the terms to make sure that you understand the agreement. 

A solar power purchase agreement is when a person pays someone else for the design, permitting, financing, and installation of a solar energy system in their property. No money needs to be paid upfront. The developer deals the power generated to the host customer at a lower price. The customer buys electricity from the developer and not from their local utility company. 

The money that they save with this purchase can pay for the electricity they buy from the grid, which is more expensive. PPAs are agreements that typically last 10 to 25 years. The developer of the system is responsible for it while it lasts. When a PPA contract is over, you can either extend the PPA or ask the developer to remove the system. You can also buy solar energy systems from them.

If you live in California, it's time to make the switch from fossil fuels and start using solar power. With a potential energy crisis on the horizon for the state, you need sustainable alternatives that don't rely heavily on other states' resources. Solar panels are one of those solutions because they can be implemented quickly without having to wait for new infrastructure construction or major utility system updates.